What’s On: LGBT History Month

January is finally over! After the longest month ever, we are finally into the wonderful February. February is way better than January, and not just because it’s shorter. This month is LGBT History month in the UK, and there are lots of things going on in Brighton to celebrate this important month.

sculpture by Eve Shepherd

Eve Shepherd, the award winning and internationally acclaimed figurative sculptor exhibits a retrospective of her work created over fifteen years. Her classically styled contemporary sculptures have received public recognition across the globe. Her work challenges social prejudices around LGBT issues, disability, mental health, body image as well as many others. The ‘White’ exhibition brings together her work in one place for the first time. Expect portraits of Professor Stephen Hawking, Rodin’s lover and protégé Camille Claudel, Nico a 21-year-old NEET (not in education, employment or training) young man and Joyce, a 75-year-old feminist I.T tutor. Eve will also be talking about her work on Saturday February 13th. She will be talking not only about her work, but that of other female sculptors and the role of women in the sculpting profession. The exhibition will be running all month at the Jubilee Library, and to book free tickets for Eve Shepherd in Conversation on the 13th, click here.

James Wharton

Former Army man, campaigner and author James Wharton will be at Hove Library this month hosting a talk on his book, Out in the Army. The book tells of James’ journey of being gay in the army, his trials and troubles of coming to terms with his sexuality and how he went ‘from punch bag to poster boy’. James left the Army in 2013 after a decade of service and was awarded the Freedom of the City of London in recognition of his campaigning work within the gay community. You can buy tickets from any Brighton and Hove Library, and the price includes a glass of wine and a discount on the book price.

Al Brookes

Al Brookes, the author of The Gift of Looking Closely will be presenting two friendly, safe, supportive workshops at Worthing Library this month. The two workshops are on Tuesday February 9th and Tuesday February 16th, with an opportunity for the participants to share what they write at a public reading at the library on Saturday February 20th. The workshops will ‘explore ideas around belief, and discover new ways to imagine and express ourselves’ and is open to anyone who identifies as LGBT and wants to write. You can grab your free ticket from Worthing library.

Rainbow Families at Pride 2014 (image from Rainbow Families)

Also on February 20th, Rainbow Families are hosting an LGBT Family Day in the Children’s Area of the Jubilee Library. There will be face painting, badge making, singing, arts and crafts as well as a play area for under 5’s. There will also be a chance to find out about fostering and adoption. Georgia Rooney, head of production at MWP Digital Media will be filming a documentary about the history of Rainbow Families and LGBT parenting, and will be at the family day on the 20th so it is a great opportunity to get share your stories and be a part of such a unique project.

Every Sunday of this month at the Jubilee Library there will be a film screening with an LGBT theme. This is a free event, and to find out more information, head to the library for more details.